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With an upcoming election in Russia, the 88th birthday of Robert Mugabe and an Iranian triumph over an Israeli filmmaker, it's been a busy day in propaganda for the world's authoritarian regimes. Here's our review of the best in state-sponsored agitprop:
Putin Panders to the Virgin Vote
Here in the U.S., we've seen a lot of ill-advised electioneering this year but Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes it to a new level with his new TV ad targeting virgin women. In the spot, a young girl tells a fortune teller this will be her "first time." The fortune teller replies "I see it will be for love," as she flips a tarot card with an image of Putin standing smugly. Exit line: "Putin. The first time—only for love." Gah!
Mugabe Receives a Crocodile Birthday Cake
We hope you didn't forget. This weekend was Zimbabe President Robert Mugabe's 88th birthday and as the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation informs us, the country's top confectioners baked him "wonderfully made cakes" to express "appreciation to the national icon." In the image to the right, Mugabe is blowing out the candles of a crocodile-themed cake amid a backdrop of men who couldn't look like they're having less fun.